Spirograph

Does anyone remember this. It came with pins to hold the circles down that you drew around. You had to use thick card board to pin into otherwise as you used the small circles the paper would slip. Over the years I did hundreds of these patterns, I could almost draw them without the plastic circles and getting pens to fit in the little holes. I liked some patterns more than others. Maybe it explains my obsession with them now?

Spirals clouds or scales?

Your choice. Multiplied image initially drawn in black ink pen, then I added black grey and pale brown shading to give the effect of layers of paper. Finally I twisted each section in my layout app to create a symmetrical pattern. Having done work on my MA based on dragons and Asian art can’t help feeling that a dragon may emerge. I would have to add a layer on to create this. Something to experiment with.

When I say digital, I mean finger painting.

I did a drawing in ArtRage oils today, it’s a drawing app with pens and a metallic/non metallic slider so you can add a sheen of apparent oil paint if you want. In this case I drew with my finger although I do have a stylus to draw with if I want. I have this free version and I also have the paid for app with more pens and brushes. I like the freedom it allows me.

Cat painting

Sometimes I go a little abstract, and then I particularly like adding flowing lines and spirals. I guess I’m a pattern lover. This cat painting is acrylic on canvas. I did it in 2008. I do remember painting it but I don’t know if it was ever exhibited, I think perhaps I should have an archive but I never got round to it. I think I can see a hint of of illustration ideas in this. But then Ive always been disorganised. I am thinking of setting up a new webpage which will only be for illustrations so that I can add images that might be for sale, or look into doing tee shirt designs. I’ve heard of places like Redbubble , Spoonflower or Square, is anyone familiar with them?

Phoenix doodle

I drew some curves and spirals then started adding doodles, including a couple of birds and a face. I started using a fine line black ink pen, but it was running out so I turned instead to a black calligraphy pen. When I’d finished I decided to add colour. That helped accentuate some of the shapes. I could do more but decided to leave it. I called it phoenix because a bird seemed to ge appearing from the background.

Pattern again

fb_img_1539983894243

I found this last night after posting about patterns yesterday. Clearly I have a thing about spirals and cats x.

I wasn’t trying for reality here, I enjoyed using these colours and the heavily patterned surface. This is about three years old.

I might do more of these. It depends if people like something quirky…..Right better get on and do some work.

Pattern play.

FB_IMG_1594467403346

I don’t know when I did this, probably three or four years ago. It’s a combination of three apps, ArtRage oils, sketcher free and layout. I drew the metallic looking pattern first, then added the spirals and finally divided and mirrored the images.

I probably used a photo editor too. I’m not sure.

The feeling I get from making these gives me great pleasure. I can’t explain, but it takes me out of myself.

X

Green spirals

IMG_20191016_182111_854 (2) (2) (2)_optimized

I want green, spirals, like pangolin scales. Cactus or succulent, indoor beauty. I wish I could get some more plants. One of ours on the upstairs window sill has sent out a flower spike. If it doesn’t get broken by the cats I will take a photo of it.

I have lots of baby money plants, and the one outside has survived the winter. But I’d like something more exciting.

I’m tending my orchids. One regularly flowers, the middle one got a flower spike on it for about three weeks, and the last one has tiny green leaves which were hiding under a couple of dead leaves.

Then my four amaryllis plants had only one flower this winter.

I love growing greenery inside and outside the house.

X